noun
prodigy; genius; person of exceptional talent
Refers to a person with outstanding natural ability, often in intellectual or artistic fields. Slightly formal and literary.
彼は数学の俊才として知られている。
He is known as a mathematical prodigy.
若い俊才たちが集まる会議に参加した。
I attended a conference where young geniuses gathered.
天才 is the most common word for 'genius' and is used broadly. 俊才 is more literary and emphasizes exceptional talent, often in a specific field.
秀才 refers to a person of great academic ability or a brilliant student, often implying hard work rather than innate genius. 俊才 leans more toward natural prodigious talent.
Composed of 俊 (しゅん, 'excellent, genius') and 才 (さい, 'talent, ability'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji combination directly conveys the meaning of exceptional talent.